The CAMEX-4 DC-8 Dropsonde System dataset was collected by the DC-8 Dropsonde System (D8D) uses dropwindsonde and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to measure the atmospheric state parameters (temperature, humidity, windspeed/direction, pressure, and location in 3 dimensional space during the sonde's descent once each half second. Measurements are transmitted to the aircraft from the time of release until impact with the ocean's surface.

The CAMEX-4 Aerosonde dataset contains temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure measurements collected to study the boundary layer below levels where traditional hurricane reconnasissance aircaft fly. The Aerosonde is an unmanned aerial vehicle with a wingspan of 2.9 meters (~9 feet) weighing approximately 14 kg (~31 lbs). Carrying a payload of air pressure, temperature and humidity probes, the aircraft can fly at altitudes from near the surface to 21,000 feet at speeds of 50-95 mph for periods of up to 30 hours. Controlled by dual computers and navigated by GPS, the Aerosonde is designed to economically collect meteorological data over a wide area.

The CAMEX-4 Andros Lisland Rawinsonde and Radiosondes dataset was collected by using numerous rawinsondes (radiosondes), which were launched from Andros Island in support of CAMEX-4. These sondes provided atmospheric soundings of temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind, and altitude.

The CAMEX-4 NOAA WP-3D Flight Level Data dataset used the NOAA WP-3D Orion aircraft, which collects numerous in-situ meteorological measurements along with navigation and aircraft state parameters during each flight. CAMEX-4 focused on the study of tropical cyclone (hurricane) development, tracking, intensification, and landfalling impacts using NASA-funded aircraft and surface remote sensing instrumentation. The WP-3D data are encoded on 8mm tapes in what is called the 'AOC Standard Tape Format'. Examples of meteorological data include total temperature, dew point, liquid water content and dynamic pressure (from several sensors). Aircraft parameters include angle of attack, airspeed, and slip angle. For further information and to obtain this data, please contact GHRC at support-ghrc@earthdata.nasa.gov

The Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) was used to make atmospheric temperature and moisture retrievals. AERI provides absolutely calibrated radiances which can be used for forward calculation comparisons of radiosonde and LIDAR (for CAMEX-3, the SRL) profiles and provides a reference to the airborne and ground based remote sensing instruments. Additionally, AERI radiances contain valuable temperature and water vapor information which can be used to retrieve planetary boundary layer thermodynamics. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Space Science and Engineering Center was responsible for the AERI data collection during CAMEX-3 campaign.

In support of CAMEX-3, numerous radiosonde and rawinsondes were launched from Andros Island, which consisted of instruments manufactured by VIS and Vaisala. Some sondes were GPS or LORAN located so that winds aloft could be determined without ground based tracking systems. Data from the sondes were used to validate several ground based instruments observing the lower troposphere.

The CAMEX-4 ER-2 Navigation data files contain information recorded by on board navigation and data collection systems. In addition to typical navigation data (e.g. date, time, lat/lon and altitude) these files contain outside meteorological parameters such as wind speed and direction and temperature. These ascii text files was recorded every second for the length of the sortie. Additionally, graphical representations of these measured parameters are shown in .gif files.

The CAMEX-4 LIDAR Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) dataset was collected by the LASE instrument, which is an airborne DIAL (Differential Absorption Lidar) system used to measure water vapor, aerosols, and clouds throughout the troposphere. LASE operates by locking to a strong water vapor line and electronically tuning to any spectral position on the absorption line to choose the suitable absorption cross-section for optimum measurements over a range of water vapor concentrations in the atmosphere. During CAMEX-4, LASE operated from the NASA DC-8 using strong and weak water vapor lines in both the nadir and zenith modes, thereby simultaneously acquiring data below and above the aircraft.